​The Gauteng Department of Health wishes to confirm that four children aged 2, 3, 6, and 9 years are currently in a stable condition and recovering well in Pholosong Regional Hospital in Tsakane after they were admitted on Tuesday (07 February) late in the afternoon following a suspected food poisoning incident. Sadly, the fifth child aged six who is a grade one learner (girl) at Mandlethu Primary School who started vomiting in class was declared dead upon arrival of the paramedics. 

This means that since the first food poisoning incident reported in October 2023, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has recorded cumulatively 861 food borne incidences which have resulted in 11 deaths. 

 The department continues to urge people to immediately visit their nearest health facilities for treatment when they present with symptoms such as vomiting, sudden chest pains, body ache/weakness, fever, or foam in the mouth. 

Post ingestion of suspicious biscuits bought from a local spaza shop two children reported experiencing diarrhea while the other two were asymptomatic, awake, and playful. One child started vomiting in class and later on demised. 

As a precautionary measure, food samples including the biscuits, have been collected from the shop and will undergo laboratory investigations to determine if there are any contaminants or other factors that may have contributed to this unfortunate incident. Blood and urine samples have also been taken to the laboratory from the hospitalised children. 

The provincial and district outbreak response team has also been on the ground conducting investigations, public health education and food safety blitz at the spaza shops in Tsakane to raise awareness and allay the public fear regarding alleged food poisoning. This is part of ongoing efforts to empower communities on food safety tips such as food handling, preparation, storage, the importance of checking food expiry labels and hand washing before handling food. 

The GDoH wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved one and a speedy recovery to those that are currently admitted. 

Ends/ 

Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health